Plas Onn 24/11/13

aqueduct classicsPlas Onn was the final event in Aqueduct Classics 2013 series and the day began with 66 riders assembling on a dry, cold day, with 10 riders in the Elite class, 13 riding 50/50, 33 of these riding the Clubman's route and the balance of 10 riders attacking the beginners route.

 

18 competitors campaigned on a range of pre-65 bikes with Paul "Moz" Owen continuing to contest the 50/50 class on his Rigid BSA. The twinshock class continues to be well supported with 23 riders on the usual range of the more common bikes from this era as well as two Whitehawks, a Sprite and a single Beamish. Pre 90 monos only make up 3 of the entries (but all in the clubman class) with 22 monos making up the daily tally ( that makes a nice pot of potential converts to the classic classes for next years series......)

A hot cup of tea and a bacon bap was most welcome fuel before the start before the competition started off at 11 with a variety of sections split into three nice clusters grouped as follows:

 

Many thanks to Ian Emery for the section reports below (Clubman Route) and Rob Sloggett for the variations on 50/50

 

Cluster 1
Section 1 began with a tricky start in the stream with a nadgery turn over rocks between two trees and then the section opened up to a fairly straight climb up the stream. Slippy rocks under the water meant concentration was key to keep momentum. The 50/50 class had a nice variation at the start which took the riders on a short detour around a tree with both rocks and roots offering a variety of lines
Section 2 was a drop into the stream and immediate right with a spiraling climb up the stream around trees and over some rocks. Grip was OK but concentration and throttle control required to negotiate the twists. The 50/50 class introduced a small off line rock step with two possible approaches which required a rapid left hand to get back online to join up with the main section

 

Cluster 2
Section 3 was a straight climb up another stream (the 50/50 class had a really nice variation in the form of an exit out of the stream up a high bank, and then drop back into the stream). At the top of the stream, a tight left at the top requiring a swoop to the right across slippy hidden rocks in the stream to get enough room to make the turn.
Section 4 started with a drop into the stream and a tricky cross-camber left turn on the far bank where care was needed to stop the front from slipping down off line before crossing the stream and up a bank to the exit. The 50/50 route threw in a set of banks and a turn which set the rider up for a run in the gully before joining up for a common exit.
Section 5 was a drop into the stream with a cross camber left to then follow the stream up across loose, slippy rocks where losing momentum and forward motion was always a threat. Once again the 50/50 route threw in a couple of extra cambered turns to give the more experienced riders an extra challenge.
Section 6 was a traditional 2nd gear straight blast up the stream with a left up the bank before the end cards. This route was shared by both classes.

 

Cluster 3.
Section 7 was the start of 4 sections in the stream just below the farm. A drop into the stream and immediate right before a climb up the far bank to exit provided a nice starting point. The 50/50 class had an extra exit out of the stream via a steep bank that joined up with the bank on the exit (via a drop back into the stream)
Section 8 was a similar drop in, turn right but then followed the stream over several small rock steps before climbing out to exit. Slippery under foot but grip was there to be found and this route was shared by the 50/50 class.
Section 9 and 10 were similar following the stream up the valley. The 50/50 class had a small number of variations which introduced some off line banks and a small number of extra small rock steps.

As usual, really good sections, nothing dangerous, all cleanable, and thanks must go to the Club officials who gave up their time on the Saturday to mark them out and as alway the team of observers and the "Lovely Baps" catering team.

 

Honours were taken as follows:
Experts:
Pre 65 - Chris Gasgoine Ariel 10, Roly Jones DOT 13, Russ Jones FB 22
Twinshock - Dave Wood Bultaco 7, Steve Thompson Whitehawk 30, Thomas Hibberd Yamaha 52
Modern Mono - Owen Edwards Gas Gas 38, Jack Hibberd Yamaha 55

50/50:
Pre 65 - Phil Alderman Triumph 7, Harry Edwards James 11, Tony Bradley Triumph 19 FC
Twinshock - Adrian Kent Sprite 8, Paul Cook Honda 8, Alex Barrie Fantic 13
Modern Mono - Joseph Roberts Gas Gas 61

Clubman:
Pre 65 - Graham Miller Cub 2, Mark Hughes BSA 4, Mark Newman James 6
Twinshock - John Doolan TY 1, Neil Francis Montesa 5, Barry Jones Beamish 6
Pre 90 Mono - Stephen Richards Yamaha 2, Gaz Thomas Yamaha 23
Modern Mono - Ian Emery Montesa 4, Gordon Wilson Scorpa 7, Martin Johnson Montesa 8

Beginner:
Pre 65 - Paul Thomas AJS 1, Peter Thomas Enfield 25 FC, Jordan Hobbis Triumph 25
Twinshock - Adrian Brown Fantic 5
Modern Mono - Jim Marsden Montesa 13, Liam Marsden Gas Gas 19, Peter Rainsford Beta 29

 

Our final event of the year is a fun / charity trial on the 8th December and Nant Ucha Farm (Trevor). All proceeds will be going to Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and all riders are encouraged to dress as Santa...